The not-so-romantic origins of valentines day

Valentine’s day. The day that sweethearts of all ages cherish their love for one-another with revolting displays of affection, cringe confessions- and let’s not forget the massive bouquets, chocolates and cards. Well, even if it is now globally recognized as the day of love, its origins weren’t as romantic as one might hope.

It is widely believed that valentine's day originated from the roman festival Lupercalia, which is celebrated in the coming of spring. It generally included fertility rituals and matchmaking in effort to ward off evil spirits and infertility.

Fertility rites you ask? No, not the typical statues, rare herbs and prayers. Those Romans always had their own way of doing things. First, they would sacrifice a dog and a goat then proceed to skin the dead animals. Next, they would use the hides of the dead animals (see step 1) and whip the queue of, um, unclad women. After that, women would write their names on scraps of pottery and put them in a jar. The men would have to randomly pick a scrap and whoever’s name they got was to be their girlfriend for the next year (or longer if the match worked out).

Now, you may be wondering why the day of love is called so. The Romans may also have to receive full credit for that one too! On the 14th of February in different years in the 3rd century AD, Emperor Claudius II put two men, both called Valentine, to death. Coincidence? I think not.